When it comes time to start that long-awaited renovation project, the last thing you want is to come out on the other side with a horror story. But how do you avoid this? What kind of precautions can you take as a homeowner to guarantee that this won’t happen to you? With nearly 30 years under their belts and installers averaging 15 years of experience, we decided to catch up with the experts at Dilworth’s Custom Design for their insight.

How can a homeowner know they are selecting the right contractor to install their project?
Find out how long the company has been in business and if they are licensed and insured. This should help narrow the field some. The next step would be to check into references. This step should never be skipped. If your contractor is reputable, they should be able to provide you with a list of satisfied clients.

Now it’s time to put in your due diligence. Ask the tough questions when you make your calls:

• Did the contractor stay in budget?

• Did the contractor complete the work in the time frame they said they would?

• Are they men/women of their word?

• How did they handle unforeseen situations on your project if there were any?

• Who’s doing the next project? If they answer the same contractor, then you know you’ve found your golden ticket.

What about subcontractors?
This all depends on how much or little you would like to be involved in the project, as well as how quickly you’d like the remodel completed. When clients decide to take on the role of general contractor, it is important to understand that things may take longer and not go as smoothly as anticipated. Having various trades on a project runs the risk of finger pointing and project delays. It can even result in an incomplete project should one of the contractors fail to return.

A major benefit of selecting a company that doesn’t use subcontractors is knowing you have one phone call to make if something doesn’t meet your expectations. Additionally, one company means that they are on your project from day one until the project is complete.

So how does Dilworth’s stand out from the crowd?
Each project is completed by our very own installers. The crews working in your home are skilled tradesmen with expertise in the areas of plumbing, electric, drywall, tile work, cabinetry, and construction—windows, doors, beams.

Another great quality of our installers is their trustworthiness. Whether your job keeps you out of the house during the day or perhaps you choose to spend the entire duration of the remodel out of town, know that you are in the best of hands with our crews. They treat your home and project as if they were working in their

As things are wrapping up during a renovation, you know that you selected the right contractor when you are already planning your next project because you’ll miss your crew. 

“One great week down! So great to feel the forward progress. Please tell Dan and Dave how happy we are with Ryan and Corey. They are such great ambassadors for the company. I honestly think that they are making what is inevitably a challenging process, as easy as possible on us. They are truly making it so much easier and more pleasant than I anticipated. We feel very lucky to have them here.” —NICOLE M.

Dilworth’s Custom Design Inc.
Phoenixville, Pa. | (610) 917-9119 | DilworthsCustomDesign.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 20, Issue 9 (March 2020). 
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